Council Highlights October 7, 2025

Type(s)
News

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

DCC Workshop 

Council met to take part in a workshop to update the District’s Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw and develop an Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) Bylaw to ensure the District’s development finance tools effectively and sustainably fund essential amenities needed to support growth. 

DCCs are a financial tool that help communities recover the costs of off-site infrastructure needed to facilitate growth, including roads, water, sewer, drainage, fire halls, and police stations. They are based on the principle of cost-sharing infrastructure between existing taxpayers and new developments. DCCs are provincially regulated under the Local Government Act and require approval from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. ACCs help communities recover the costs of amenities that provide social, cultural, heritage, recreational or environmental benefits to a community. They closely resemble DCCs as they are charges for on-time capital costs that are growth driven. ACCs do not require approval from the ministry.

The District’s current capital projects lists that trigger DCCs have been compiled from municipal master plans and the Official Community Plan. The lists of projects are resulting in extremely high DCC rates and staff and consultants sought Council’s input on what, if any, capital projects can be removed to reduce the proposed DCC and ACCs. For example, removing $1,000,000 in capital costs results in approximately a $1,000 reduction in DCCs. 

Next steps involved in the DCC update and ACC development include the following: 

  • Confirmation from Council of DCC and ACC project lists and draft rates 

  • Engagement with stakeholders and the public on the draft DCC and ACC rates 

  • Reporting back to Council on the results of the engagement 

  • Readings of bylaws 

  • DCC submission to Ministry

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

 

Photo Contest Winners Announced

Council congratulated the three winners of the 2025 Capture Peachland Photo Contest. Taking first prize in their categories and winning a $200 gift certificate to the Peachland business of their choice, are:

  • Teresa Triggiano – People & Pets in Parks category

  • Lucy Mattu – Peachland Close Up category

  • Garey Klassen – Vibrant Views category

Over 175 qualified entries were received in this year’s contest. Submitted photos will be showcased in District online and print publications. Mayor Patrick Van Minsel thanked all participants – it was a very hard choice! View the winning photos here: Photo Contest | District of Peachland

 

6488 Renfrew Road Rezoning

Council adopted a bylaw to rezone 6488 Renfrew Road from Rural Residential (RR1) to Multi-Unit Infill Residential to facilitate a future subdivision. The following zoning conditions have been satisfied: 

  • Registration of a covenant that restricts building and development on identified portions due to steep slope hazard and the environmental sensitivity.

  • Registration of a covenant that requires remittance of Community Amenity Contributions and installation of two speed (30 km/h) and curve-ahead warning signs prior to building permit issuance. 

  • Registration of statutory rights-of-way on the north end of the property and with a minimum width of 4.5 meters for the sanitary line at the south end of the property.

  • Completion of the required road dedication on Renfrew Road.

2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw

Council adopted the 2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw which identifies the following properties as eligible for full or partial exemption due to community benefit:

  • Peachland United Church

  • St. Margaret’s Anglican Church

  • Peachland Baptist Church

  • Peachland Wellness Centre & Peachland Food Bank

  • Peachland Riding Club

  • Okanagan Boys & Girls Club & Our SPACE (School for Peachland Arts, Culture & Ecology).

  • Peachland District Retirement Society

  • Maple Springs Bible Camp

  • The Nature Trust of BC

  • Peachland Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion

  • Okanagan Regional Library

  • Peachland Chamber of Commerce.

Th estimated financial impact of the 2026 tax exemptions, based on a 5% general tax increase, is $72,456 or .89% of the 2025 budgeted general municipal tax revenue or $22.52 for the average residential property.

 

Regulation & Enforcement of E-Scooters, E-Bikes 

After discussion stemming from concerns raised in the community about inappropriate use of e-scooters, e-bikes, e-motorcycles and e-dirt bikes, Council agree that enforcement of these motorized vehicles should remain the responsibility of the RCMP. They further agreed to request that the RCMP consider incorporating e-bike, e-motorcycle, e-dirt bike and e-scooter safety education in its school liaison and community outreach programs, with a focus on helmet use, legal age limits for operation, safe operating behaviour and acceptable locations for use. The District will share information with residents about appropriate use of these electric vehicles. Read the report to Council: Regular Council Meeting - October 07, 2025

 

Modular Building Purchase

Council approved the purchase of a $75,000, 12’ x 60’ modular office building to be set up in the rear parking lot of the District Municipal Hall to be used for additional office space.

 

Rise & Report - Terminate Road Closure Application

After an in-camera meeting, Council agreed to direct staff to terminate the Road Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw application for a portion of municipal road adjacent to Maranatha Drive and Princeton Avenue.

 

Next Council Meeting

The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, beginning at 3 pm. Council meetings are open to the public and webcast live. Find the full schedule by visiting www.peachland.ca/government/meetings. Find webcasts of past meetings at www.peachland.ca/government/meetings/archived-webcasts.  Keep informed; subscribe to get news and event information emailed directly to you at www.peachland.ca/services/subscribe.